Notes: Sorry this one took forever to post. So here's another jam-packed chapter for you though I would somewhat consider it to be a filler chapter. It's got everything including some fluff (I think), angst, a bit of smut and some action.
Summary: It gets messier. Beca gets caught in the middle of it all. If Beca thought their relationship was too good to be true before, it definitely felt too good to be true now. TW: mentions of death, blood, shooting, stabbing, tasing torture.
Chapter 11: Connection
Beca almost never left Chloe's side since she's found out about her history with her mom except when they both needed to go to work. She's also decided that as soon as they close the reaper's case, she was leaving the bureau. If it weren't for her obsession with this case, Beca would've left a long time ago.
Chloe kept assuring her that she was okay. Beca wasn't convinced but what more could she do? She had so many questions she wanted to ask but she's not sure whether it was her or Chloe who wasn't ready to talk about it. As much as she wanted to confront her mom, she needed to get a hold of her emotions first.
She was hoping to be on top of her emotions as today was their briefing with her mom and Aubrey about Kommissar. Beca was not looking forward to seeing her. The moment Beca entered the office, she and Jessica was called to the meeting.
"Mitchell, Smith. I've reviewed your progress reports." Gail opened their meeting. "Thank you for all the time and effort that you put in this case."
Beca and Jessica both nodded in response.
"What we are about to discuss here are classified information. I'm afraid as useful as they are to your investigation, we cannot let this information get out." Gail continued.
"I have reason to believe that the Kommissar we are dealing with here is the same Kommissar who was originally recruited from the German military intelligence service. She served in our military for more than ten years and even went on to lead our very own covert team of Special Forces until she was dishonourably discharged more than four years ago."
Neither Beca nor Jessica saw that coming. This case was really starting to blow out of proportion.
"Our records show she was spotted in the UK about a year ago and that was the last until it was reported that she was seen with Salazo's men late last year. We have reason to believe she was working with them but we don't know who she works for now."
Gail slid a blurred picture of Kommissar. Beca and Jessica leaned forward to look at the photo closely. It was a photo of a tall woman, with blonde hair that was up in a tight bun but her face was hard see properly as she was turned to the side and only her profile could be seen.
"Kommissar is almost impossible to track down. She's been able to evade us since her discharge. But we do have a solid lead."
Gail paused and made direct eye contact with Beca. Beca also saw Aubrey was looking at her now too. She was confused. Was there something that she should know about Kommissar?
"Where is Chloe now, Agent Mitchell?"
Beca looked from her mother to Aubrey. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Where is she now?" Gail repeated her question.
"Probably at her studio working." Beca answered still not sure why this was relevant.
"And you're still in good terms with her?"
"Yes very much." Beca said without missing a beat.
"Beca there's something you should know and I know we haven't been in the best of terms but Chloe is not who she says she is. She's dangerous."
"Really? This again?" Beca was trying her best at controlling her emotions especially since they were at work.
"No this time is different. I think she's dating you to get close to me and to get close to this investigation."
"Seriously? Not everything is about you Mom or Director or however you want me to address you right now."
"I understand I'm not your favourite person at the moment. But listen to me first. I just need you to hear me out. This is serious. It's a matter of life and death Beca."
"No. Fuck you."
"Agent Mitchell." Gail raised her voice a little.
"Beca. Calm down. Your mom's telling the truth."
Beca glared at Aubrey. She had to bite her tongue and looked at her mom again. "What does Chloe have to do with this?"
"Be very careful around her. She is not who you think she is. She is a professional and she's very good at what she does. Chloe used to be in the Special Forces. She was with the group the same time Kommissar was. We screwed up, okay? And I'm not proud of what I did but I don't regret it."
"What? You've got to be kidding me. That's impossible."
"Aubrey convinced Chloe to come in and help. We had a plan at the exchange but things didn't work out and we had to push through with it. Millions of lives were at stake."
"Are you sure we're talking about the same Chloe here? My Chloe?" Beca pointed to Aubrey. "And why Aubrey?"
"Chloe didn't say anything to you?"
"No she didn't. How do you know her?"
Aubrey answered Beca. "Chloe and I used to be friends back in school. I thought she died. I didn't know she was part of the Special Forces at that time. All we knew is that the terrorists wanted someone from the military."
"So you sacrificed your friend?" Beca was still looking at Aubrey. Chloe may not have mentioned anything to her but it doesn't make what they did to her okay.
Aubrey "No. Chloe knew the risks." Gail answered for Aubrey.
"This is crazy. Even for the two of you." Beca said to the both of them now
"We understand this is too much to take already. But there's more."
"Fuckin' hell. Of course there's more."
"We have reason to think Chloe could be a person of interest in the Reaper case. She might be able to lead us to Kommissar. With their training and skills, either fits the profile."
Beca was shaking her head. This was too absurd for her to even begin to digest.
"Kommissar and Chloe used to be in the Special Forces and I don't think this is a coincidence. They could be working together."
Beca's head continued to spin.
"We want you to go undercover, keep getting close to her and find out what you can. We need to approach this with perfection and with absolute caution."
"I say that because we also have reason to believe that there is a possibility that Chloe herself is the reaper. It's hard to ignore the fact that she fits the profile."
"You two are out of your minds. You've completely lost it. Are you being serious right now? I'm not going to investigate my girlfriend behind her back. Chloe has nothing to do with this case. That's just ridiculous."
"Just find out as much as you can. She doesn't work alone. We expect a report in two weeks."
"Are you even listening to me?"
"That's an order Agent. Don't think I can't pull you out of this investigation."
Beca couldn't believe it. Now she knows why Jessica was here. They would simply give her the job if Beca declined.
"And if we can prove Chloe didn't do this and has no part in this whatsoever, will you finally leave her alone?"
"Yes but if we can prove otherwise? What will you do?" Gail asked Beca.
Beca looked at her straight in the eyes. "I'll arrest her myself. But again if she's innocent, consider it my two weeks' notice."
Beca hasn't had the chance to tell Jessica what's been going on but Jessica was almost just as blindsided as she was.
"Becs." Jessica tried to reach out to Beca once they were back in their desks.
"Not now Jess."
"Okay. I'm here whenever you're ready to talk."
"Thanks."
Beca busied herself with looking up Chloe and Kommissar in their database. There was no way Chloe was the reaper. Maybe she was part of the Special Force, maybe she did know Kommissar but she may also be not any of those things.
Most of Chloe's files were classified, which frustrated Beca, and Kommissar was not even listed in their system.
Chloe has been pacing around Luke's clinic for the past hour trying to get him to just tell her what she has to do and specifically where she has to shoot.
"There's just no sure way of doing this Chloe. It's too risky. There's a real possibility that you will assassinate the governor."
"Say it louder Luke. I don't think your secretary heard you."
"Sorry."
Chloe shakes her head. "Anyway. Surely there's some way. Come on just give me percentages here. I'll work around those."
"I can't give you anything concrete Chlo. What do you want me to say?"
"I don't know Luke. You're the expert here. Maybe something like, head is 100% risky so avoid that. Stomach would be a no-no as well cause of the serious damage to organs. Maybe try the upper chest? Just make sure to avoid the heart. Anything close to that would be helpful."
Luke sighed. "It seems like you've got it all figured out."
"Boo. What the hell? It's not like I'll come back and blame you if anything goes wrong."
"Any shot can be fatal. People react differently and it may be more fatal for some. Maybe the safest would be the hands or the feet."
"Well if I'm going to make it look like an assassination attempt, what would headlines say if I got her in the hands or the feet?"
"Fine. You're right. Maybe the least fatal or at least most unlikely to hit any organ would be upper chest avoiding the heart and lungs."
"I can do that. That's what I thought too."
"But I'm telling you Chlo. You have to accept the reality that you might actually kill her."
"I know that. Will we be able to get access to her medical records?"
"That's Lilly's job. Ask her."
There was something that's been nagging Beca ever since her meeting with her mom and Aubrey. She has reviewed the case from top to bottom and knowing what she knows now, someone with not just a military background but a member of the Special Forces does fit the profile perfectly. It may very well be that Kommissar is their reaper and that Chloe does know her.
What does that make of Chloe? Was she really using Beca to get close to this investigation? Not once did Chloe ask anything about her work and Beca never told her anything specific or at least anything that she would consider to be helpful.
It doesn't make sense. She feels like she's missing something very important. Even looking back at how they met. Beca pursued her. Unless this was all part of her grand scheme of things, which she highly doubts. If worst comes to worst that Chloe is indeed the reaper, what does she get from dating Beca?
Beca couldn't stop thinking about it while she sat on the kitchen counter waiting for Chloe. She looked to her side when she heard the door open. She couldn't understand what she felt. She watched Chloe shake off her coat and take off her boots and saw how her face lit up when she looked up and saw Beca.
"Hey. What time did you get home? Have you eaten? I got us pizza."
Chloe frowned at her when Beca didn't move or say anything. Chloe dropped her bags and the pizza on the counter and sat next to Beca. "What's wrong?"
She shakes her head and smiled. "Nothing. Sorry I'm spacing out." She tucked a hair behind Chloe's ear and put her hands on Chloe's lap. She squeezed her legs. "Hi. I missed you."
Chloe smiled at that and leaned in to give Beca a proper kiss. "I missed you too. Why don't you move this party to the couch? I'm just going to change then we can snuggle while having pizza. Sounds like a plan?" Chloe wiggled her eyebrows.
Instead of answering Beca put a hand on Chloe's neck and pulled her in for a deeper kiss. They were hungrier kisses this time. Chloe could feel Beca wanting to dominate and she let her. She opened her mouth slightly to give Beca an entrance and moaned into the kiss.
Beca was standing over her now and pulled Chloe's shirt over her head and threw it over the counter. She kissed Chloe as soon as that was out of the way and started to travel down to her jaw and neck.
Chloe was getting really turned on but was very distracted by the smell of pizza. "Babe. Babe?"
"Hm?"
"I really really like where this is going but I kinda rushed back home to make sure the pizza's still hot."
Beca was busy nipping and sucking on Chloe's neck when it registered to her what Chloe just said. She let out a groan and started laughing on Chloe's neck. "Seriously the pizza?"
Beca pulled back and looked up at Chloe. Chloe was looking down at her nodding with a pout.
Beca sighed and kissed her neck one more time then pecked her lips. "You're lucky you're cute." She then let go of Chloe. "Go before I change my mind."
Chloe was giggling and bit her lip. She squeezed Beca's right boob that made Beca let out a high pitch squeak and ran away to the bedroom.
"I'm gonna get you for that!" Beca called out to her.
"I'm looking forward to it!" Chloe answered back.
Beca woke up the next morning to find Chloe pacing around their room. She checked the time and it was just after 6 in the morning.
"Hey you're up early. What are you doing?" Beca stood up slowly and rubbed her eyes.
"Good morning sleepy head. I'm packing."
Beca looked around and had her eyebrows furrowed. "Packing for what?"
"I'm going to Vegas for a few days. I have another wedding to shoot. Actually I have two of them. I'll be back Monday or Tuesday morning depending on what time I finish."
"Oh."
For the first time Beca was suspicious of Chloe. She didn't like not trusting Chloe but what her mom and Aubrey said yesterday were getting in her head.
"And when are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? Why so soon?"
"I know. It's such short notice and I wanted to tell you last night but we were busy. I don't plan these things."
Beca couldn't help the blush in her cheeks and the redness in her ears when remembering last night. Even with that, she still couldn't shake off her suspicions.
"So Vegas. Why Vegas?"
Chloe shrugged. "Like I said I don't plan these things. I just take their pictures."
"Who's getting married?"
"Just a couple of randoms. Future Mr and Mrs Nolan and Romero I think." Chloe says without looking up to Beca.
"It's been a while since you had to leave for work." Beca hoped she didn't sound too interrogatory. "How did they find you?"
Chloe was feeling a bit off by Beca's questioning but didn't want to think too much into it and continued packing. "I don't know. Like I said, most of my clients hear about me through word of mouth or I was referred by my former clients."
"And where are you staying?"
Chloe finally looked up to Beca with her head tilted to one side. There was something in Beca's tone. Beca couldn't even hold Chloe's gaze, which she found odd. "I don't know yet. I'm waiting to receive the final details. Did you want a copy of the itinerary too? Or maybe you want to talk to the clients themselves to verify?"
Beca looked guilty and she knows she looks guilty so she backtracks. "I didn't mean it like that Chlo. I'm sorry. I'm just going to miss you that's all."
Chloe sighed. Now she's the one feeling guilty. "I'm sorry for snapping at you. I just don't have all the answers to your questions right now."
Beca was looking down and pulling on the sheets. Chloe walked over to her and sat in front of her. "You know I'd bring you if I could right?"
"And why can't you?" Beca looked up to her again.
Chloe smiled and kissed her on the forehead. "You tell me. You think you can get away from work for a few days? I mean I know your mom's the director and all that."
Beca rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Please. As if. As tempting as that is, you're right. I can't get away from work." Beca said with slumped shoulders.
"That's okay. I'll be working the whole time I'm there too. I have a feeling we both need a vacation, just the two of us. We can talk about it when I get back?"
"I'd like that. Let's talk more about it when you're back then. Did you need me to drive you to and from the airport or something?"
"No no, that's okay. They've organised something for me already."
"Wow. Look at you hotshot."
"I know. They spoil me too much. They probably feel guilty and grateful that I accepted at the last minute. That's usually the case with these short notice jobs."
"Free your schedule tonight. I want to take you out on a bon voyage date."
Chloe laughs at that and answers Beca in between kisses.
It's only been a day since Chloe's left and without seeing Chloe, Beca was being eaten up by her overthinking and suspicions once again. All of a sudden her thoughts were flooded by random memories that makes everything worse. It was overwhelming.
First she remembered the first time she went to Chloe's studio and there was that disgruntled client that was hounding Chloe. Then there was that incident at the warehouse when she followed Chloe. Seriously armed men present during a photo shoot?
Then their first date where Chloe had a wound that very much looked like a stab wound. Was Chloe really that clumsy?
She then remembers the day she ran into Chloe when they were undercover for Salazo Sr. She's not too sure now if they were awkward because of their situation or because she caught Chloe in a bad time. She then remembers how weird Chloe was being with her case holding her camera.
She closed her eyes as she remembered that day when the reaper came and took three of their agents' lives. She then went wide-eyed at the realization. Could that be the reason she was spared that day? Everyone else was killed on the spot. She never understood why she wasn't. Beca shivered at the thought.
Beca thought hard and long then remembers the next time she saw Chloe, she was all banged up with broken ribs. Seriously, was Chloe really that clumsy? Was being a photographer really that dangerous or was it the perfect cover up?
Not to mention Chloe's luxurious apartment. Could you really afford that place by just being a photographer? Beca knew Chloe was talented but she would kill to get her hands on some financial statements.
But if you look past those other things, Beca knows Chloe. She's even met her parents. She was welcomed to her apartment, her home. Not once did Chloe act in any way suspicious. She even received confirmation about the two weddings Chloe was covering behind Chloe's back. She was being a terrible girlfriend.
Beca stared at the listening devices in her hand. She was decided. This was for her sanity and if truly Chloe was innocent, then she had nothing to hide.
"Becs, are you sure about this?" Jessica asked Beca one more time.
"I don't want anyone to know about this. For now this will be between us three."
Beca, Jessica and Ashley spent the whole day installing the tiny devices around Chloe's apartment and studio. Beca knew this was borderline illegal but it's not like she was going to use this as evidence in court or something. This was part of her job: surveillance.
On the day Chloe was coming home, the three of them sat in the room with headphones. Beca wasn't sure exactly what time Chloe was arriving but Chloe did text her, she was on her way home. They all snapped to attention when they heard the front door open. The time was just before 9am.
"Thanks for driving me."
"I know this is usually Lilly's job but it's always my pleasure. Should I take these to Lil?"
Beca recognised the other voice to be Luke's.
"Yes please. And you know I appreciate you both."
"Is everything okay? Are you and Beca okay?"
"Of course we are. Why wouldn't we be?"
"I don't really know why I asked but why didn't you ask Beca to pick you up then? I bet she would've if you asked."
"Yeah she did offer but I know she has work. I don't want her skipping work or running late to work because of me. I'll see her later tonight anyway when she comes home."
"So does that mean I can't stay here tonight?"
"Yes. That's exactly what it means. And I know you aren't working 'til Wednesday so go home to your own bed."
They then heard cupboards opening and closing and glasses being put on the counter.
"You want one?"
Luke didn't answer.
"Oh come on. Don't look at me like that. It makes me sleep better."
"It's barely 9 in the morning but whatever you say."
They don't hear Chloe answer but they did hear the glass being dropped back down to the counter like she just downed the drink.
"Well I don't know about you but I'm just about ready to pass out."
Luke chuckled. "You're always exhausted after these things. So Jerry's looking after your studio today?"
"Yeah but only until today. I'll be back to work tomorrow. We weren't even able to enjoy Vegas. We definitely have to back."
"Well when they heard the famous Chloe Beale was coming to town, everyone wanted to see you."
"Shut up. You know that only means more work so no thank you." Chloe groaned. "I need a vacation."
"Don't we all?"
Beca had her eyebrows furrowed. She didn't know Luke was with Chloe in Vegas. But then again, Luke was her assistant most of the time when she does wedding shoots. Still. Chloe didn't mention anything about Luke. Looking back at how their conversation went that night, she couldn't blame her.
"Alright I'll leave you to it. See you later at Lil's?"
"Yup. I'll be there."
They heard someone walking around. Most probably Luke. Then heard what sounded like a kissing sound but before Beca let her emotions ahead of herself it was most likely a kiss on the cheek. Then they heard the door close.
They could hear the glass being refilled and Chloe walking around. Then they heard her phone ring.
"Hello?"
"I know I know. I'm sorry. I totally forgot. I was going to call you but I got so busy. I was going to return all your calls."
"Oh come on Mom, you're being a little too dramatic. I was working the whole time I was there. Yes mom all four days."
"No. Why would I give you Beca's number? No. You scared her enough already before and she's busy. She won't have time to entertain your calls. She barely has time for me. You're just going to take that time away from me."
Beca blushed when she heard Chloe say that. She knew she was joking but at the same time she felt guilty. Did Chloe really feel that way about her? She suddenly feels like she's intruding on Chloe's personal time. This doesn't feel right.
"Look Mom. I love you but I'm really tired. I haven't slept in days."
"No she's not with me. She's working. It's okay. We're both busy but we make sure to make time for each other."
"Of course not. We're not fighting. Why does everybody think that? We're okay. I'll see her later. How about I call you when we're together? Or better yet, I'll just fly you and dad here for a weekend when we're both free."
"Yes. You can see everyone. Yes. Luke is still working in the same hospital. But no. Lilly has her own pub now remember? Yes and you can hang out with me at the studio."
Beca makes a mental note that she hasn't met Chloe's friend Lilly. But she knows where her pub is. She reasons it's because they've been so busy. She plans to bring it up to Chloe that she wants to meet her friends too.
Chloe yawns. "Alright, send me the dates and I'll book you flights. I'll take care of your hotel too or you can stay with me up to you guys. I have an extra room for you two."
"Okay. I love you both."
They heard Chloe sigh followed by a flop on the couch and the sound of the automatic curtains closing and Beca knows Chloe was preparing for sleep. They heard her light snores eventually and then they heard her phone drop to the ground.
Chloe woke up from her nap and checked the time. She was worried she missed her alarm but when she checked she saw that she woke up before it. She rubbed her eyes and looked around. She reached for the remote and pressed on the curtains to go up again.
She decided to go for a quick shower and as soon as she stepped out that's when she first noticed it. Her toothbrush holder was a bit out of place. She turns it slightly to the right angle to put it in its right position. While she was brushing her teeth she kept looking back at the toothbrush holder.
Something was bothering her and true enough after brushing her teeth, she grabbed the toothbrush holder and saw that there was a tiny piece of top-of-the-line listening device she's never seen before stuck underneath it.
She wasn't mad about it right away. It was probably just Lilly trying out her new tech. But then she stepped out of the bathroom and couldn't help but making a quick scan of her room. She could see at least two things out of place. Now she's curious when Lilly bugged her place.
She still not mad but as she was making her way out the door she noticed about four more things out of place in her kitchen and living room. And that was her not trying very hard. She finds herself stomping out of her apartment.
When Chloe arrived, Luke was already at the bar laughing with Lilly who was behind the bar as usual. Chloe would be in the mood to have drinks with them if she didn't find those annoying little devices all over her house.
Lilly sees her first. She nods at her and was smiling already. "Hey I heard about Vegas. I can't believe you went for it. It's so you. But 8 out of 10 not bad."
"Thanks. I would've been in a more cheery mood. But I can't believe you. You bugged my apartment? How long have you been listening in?"
"Oh boy." Luke muttered to himself. Chloe never did like having her apartment bugged.
"We placed them when you left. It was meant to be an exercise." Lilly shrugged. "Captain's orders."
"An exercise? Are you fuckin' kidding me?"
"We have to keep your senses alert. Besides you'll never know."
"Get rid of it and I mean all of them. I can't believe you two. And you know the more you put the more obvious it is. Very subtle."
"What do you mean?"
"I even went straight here cause I just know you bugged the studio too and I'm telling you now to get rid of all of them before I completely lose my cool. I swear to god if you put some in the darkroom."
"Chloe. Hand me your phone."
Despite her confusion, Chloe did what she was asked and watched Lilly put her own phone on top of Chloe's.
"At least we know that's clear."
"Clear of what?"
"How many bugs did you find exactly?"
"I don't know yet. I didn't touch them cause you put them there so you get rid of them. That's another reason why I'm here."
"Okay. But here's the thing. I only placed two: one in your kitchen and one in your living room. I didn't put anything in your studio or anywhere else in your apartment so if you find any there…"
"Wait. What? Only two?"
Chloe already spotted at least more than five lying around her apartment. Lilly, Luke and Chloe exchanged looks. They didn't have to say it out loud and they were all thinking the same thing. If Lilly didn't put them there, then there's only one other group of people who would.
"Do you need my help?" Lilly offered.
"No it's okay. I'll handle this. Let Sar know. I have to go."
Chloe walked away and left Luke and Lilly in the pub. She went straight to her studio to check if it was bugged.
She entered her studio and gave it a quick scan. From where she was standing, she could see about three possible places that the bugs were installed. It was making her angry. She slowly walked to the counter, still looking around her studio and she could bet she spots two more. She starts to shake her head.
'Amatuers.' Chloe thought.
She finished sending the text to Lilly confirming the studio was bugged too. Chloe then heard the door open and the bells ringing.
"We're closed for the day but you can come back first thing tomorrow." Chloe said without turning around.
"I know you said to never come back."
Chloe turned quickly "Yet here you are."
Beca almost couldn't recognise Chloe's tone in her voice. She recognised the other voice to be Aubrey's.
"Look I promise this is the last time. I just have to ask."
"Really? What do you take me for? I already told you this isn't happening."
"Did you really not know about Beca?"
"I'm asking you nicely for the last time Aubrey. Please leave."
"Did you really not know?"
"I already said I didn't know. If you don't believe that then that's not my problem. Do you think I would knowingly put myself in this situation?"
"If you're worried about Beca, she doesn't know. I can assure you that."
Chloe's not interested in anything that Aubrey has to say. "I don't need your assurance. Now if there's nothing else, please leave."
"I'm here on official business actually. We're investigating multiple murders and you may be able to help us."
"I highly doubt that."
"Kommissar. Special Forces. Ring any bells?"
Beca couldn't believe what she was hearing from Aubrey. It was almost like walking on eggshells for her with Chloe in her approach but here comes Aubrey who just goes for it.
At least now Chloe knows why they bugged her place. Chloe doesn't answer Aubrey and doesn't give anything away in her facial expression.
She decided instead to continue to push her away. "I don't know what you're talking about and I don't know what you're still doing here. Honestly I have better things to do."
"I know what I did to you is unforgivable. But I'm only asking this cause it's my job. Kommissar was a member of the Special Forces. You know her, right?"
"Are you asking or are you assuming? If you're asking then no I don't know her. Now can you leave me alone and stay away for good?"
"Chloe please. You are our best lead in this case. Probably our only lead."
Chloe scoffs at that. Chloe shakes her head at the irony of it all.
"What are you planning? I can't help but think of the timing of it all. Do you happen to have anything to do with the multiple unsolved murders these past two, three years? Is this your way of seeking revenge?"
Chloe looked back up to Aubrey who was already looking at her.
"Believe me when I say, if I really did want to seek revenge, I would have already by now. I've moved on. I suggest you to do the same."
Aubrey sighed. "I'm afraid I can't let this go. Can you blame me? You fit the profile."
Chloe had to laugh at that. "Oh really I fit the profile? Is this the same profile that made you think of me two years ago? Fuck you Aubrey."
Chloe shut her eyes and raised her hand to stop Aubrey from whatever it is she's about to say. "You know the first thing I remember when I woke up in the hospital?"
Aubrey shakes her head no.
"I don't remember the pain or the torture they put me through. All I remember was feeling worried. I was worried about you cause the last thing I could remember was you were calling me for help. That you were in trouble and you needed me. And do you know one of the first things I asked when I woke up?"
Aubrey, again, shakes her head no.
"I asked about my friend. Where's Aubrey? Is she okay? Is she hurt? Is she alive?" Chloe scoffed. She blinked back her tears because she refused to let Aubrey see her cry. "So how dare you show up here again? We're done. I mean it. I'm done with you. I don't want to be a part of your life and you're most definitely no longer a part of mine. So don't come here like we're friends or like I owe you anything. Now unless you have a warrant or any official document that will force me to come with you or even talk to you then there's nothing left here for us to talk about. Don't force me to get a restraining order against you."
It was quiet and Beca could hear someone crying. She wasn't sure if it was Chloe or Aubrey.
"I'm so sorry Chlo."
"I'm not."
Then Beca could hear someone walking away and leaving, which she now assumes is Chloe as she could still hear Aubrey crying.
Beca was furious. She tried her best to not jeopardise their investigation by not confronting Chloe like that and Aubrey walks in and does exactly that. She slammed her headphones on the table and walked out of their make shift listening room.
"I'm gonna get some air. Call me if you hear anything."
Beca could've gone home to Chloe already but she was waiting for Aubrey to come back to their headquarters.
She barged into her office the moment Aubrey got back.
"What the fuck Aubrey?"
Aubrey was still trying to get over what happened between her and Chloe that she couldn't process Beca coming after her.
"What were you doing going to Chloe?"
"What do you mean? How do you know that? Did she tell you?"
"No. I heard you."
"What?
"You said she knew what she was in for. You said she agreed to do it. You lied to me."
"Wait. How do you know this?"
Beca didn't answer right away and Aubrey figures it out. "You bugged her studio, didn't you?"
"And apartment, yes. I had no choice. We've been listening for a week but heard nothing out of the ordinary yet."
"Are you stupid? Which part of Special Forces do you not get?"
"Hey. You're the one who went to her."
"Part of her training is watching out for surveillance devices. I bet you she knows about them. Goddammit. No wonder she's so mad. She probably thought I was trying to set her up again earlier or something."
"No Aubrey. She's mad because you set her up all those years ago. If that happened to me I would be seething too."
"I'm actually surprised she didn't call me out on it."
"It's cause she doesn't know. I've had training too. These are also top of the line. It's almost impossible to trace."
"Well I'm telling you now. Those recordings aren't reliable just because of the possibility that she knows."
"Are you maybe overestimating Chloe here? Don't you think that's a bit of an exaggeration?"
"I think you're the one underestimating her. But fine. Don't believe me. I would be wary. If I were you I would go through my house or my car or my phone cause she might have you bugged and I won't be surprised if she did."
"Well guess what! I already did check and there's nothing. Can we please leave her alone now?"
"What about her being a photographer? It could be a cover up."
"It's legit. She's an actual photographer. All her photo shoots, weddings, out of town locations, we've gone through almost all of them and they've all checked out.
"You know what they say when it comes to these things."
"What?"
"Follow the money."
"There's nothing Aubrey. Have you ever considered that maybe you're so hard on pinning this on Chloe?"
"I'm not. But Kommissar isn't our only lead in this case. I'm telling you Chloe knows her and I can't get to her."
"No Aubrey. I'm not doing this anymore."
"Beca she's literally your girlfriend. What's one question?"
"I'm not sure if you've been in a relationship before, but that's not how relationships work."
"Aren't relationships supposed to be about transparency and honesty?"
"I'm not going to interview my girlfriend at home for a case."
"Then get her to agree to give her statement then."
"That's the problem. We don't even know for sure if she knows Kommissar. I can't just take your word for it. I'm putting my relationship on the line here."
"They were both in the Special Forces. What more do we need?"
"I looked up Chloe in our own database as well as Kommissar. There's nothing that even in our own records that says that. We can't do anything unless we have that. And I know this makes things complicated because they almost don't exist. They don't have records. They're like a myth. Has she ever admitted to you that she is?"
"No."
"How do you know then? Cause it seems to me that at this point it's my mom's word against Chloe's."
"Chloe never told me directly but I've seen her fight and I've seen her with guns. She was never a regular soldier and when the Director told me about Chloe, then it all made sense. Despite what I did, I really do care about her."
Beca doesn't know what's gotten into her. All of a sudden she's feeling jealous of Aubrey and Chloe's history. "I think she made it pretty clear that she doesn't want to see you. Stay away from my girlfriend. Let me handle Chloe and you deal with my mom."
Chloe arrived home first. She was having such a shitty day. It didn't help that as soon as she walked in her apartment she remembers it's bugged as well. This place was her sanctum. She takes deep breaths. This was her choice. This is what she gets for opening up and letting people in.
"I need a drink." Chloe says out loud and goes to grab a glass.
She waited for Beca. She still wasn't sure if Beca was the one behind the bugs in her apartment. Deep down she knew, Beca must know about them cause how else would Aubrey have them installed without her help.
That hurt for Chloe. She loves and trusts Beca and she probably couldn't say no to her bosses but it didn't make it hurt any less.
She was in the middle of her drink when she heard her phone. It was a text from Kommissar asking her to meet her right now. She sighed and downed her drink. Then she grabbed her coat and keys and she was off to the said meeting place.
Chloe was directed to meet Kommissar in another one of those abandoned buildings that Kommissar seemed to have a knack for locating.
"How are you?" Kommissar asked Chloe as soon as she sees her come in.
"Not great if I'm being really honest."
"Thanks for meeting me."
"Why does the FBI have your name?"
"That's not really important at the moment and that's not what I called you here for."
"Did you call me to tell me off about how I allowed my place to be exploited?"
"Not really. I know you can handle silly attempts of surveillances like that."
"Then what do you want from me Sar?"
"Right now, I need you to focus on the assassination attempt. The client has given us the go signal. He was rather impressed with the 8 out of 10. He wasn't expecting that. He likes how you think."
Chloe smirked. There weren't any specific instructions from the client about her testing. He just wanted her to do an actual test.
"I realised I had to practice and really put my theory to the test. Luke wasn't very helpful but he did give me the idea."
"You do know the risk here is that there's no turning back if you end up killing her."
"I know."
"It might actually mean the end for you and Beca. Everyone will be looking for you. Not just a department of the FBI."
Chloe shrugged. "Despite the FBI being on my tail literally, I don't think they'll ever catch me. They're too predictable. This could also be the start of something. Did you know the summit was coming up?"
"Don't even think about it. You might end up starting a war."
"That would be something. Did you know about our comrades? I tried to have Lil track them down."
Kommissar looked away. She knew.
"They're all gone. CR, Pieter, Conrad, Benji, they're all dead. Why? Are they coming after us too? Or better yet, why haven't they come after us?"
"Honestly I'm still working on the why. Personally I think it's as simple as the leadership change."
"Leadership change?"
"Yes. Our current President doesn't even know we exist or he sees no gain in having us killed. Maybe."
Chloe raised an eyebrow. "I'm starting to question who's really pulling the strings here."
"There's no one I trust more than you that's for sure. How are you after knowing Beca bugged your place?"
"Honestly I don't know. I still think her mom and Aubrey's been inside her head and she's confused. I guess I just have to keep my guard up. It sucks cause I can't even relax in my own house but no need to book a hotel yet."
"Well if you change your mind, you'll have a room at the Beverly Hills Hotel."
"What the? That's where you've been staying?"
Kommissar starts laughing and pushes Chloe away. "Go on. Go home. Your girlfriend's probably waiting for you. I'll send you the details for our next briefing."
Beca had been thinking of the different ways to approach Chloe. She wanted to simply confront Chloe to get it over with but she remembers how Chloe reacted to Aubrey earlier today and didn't want to provoke Chloe more. Before leaving the office she heard Chloe arrive at the apartment but on her way home she received a message from Ash that Chloe stepped out.
Beca arrived and saw Chloe's empty glass on the coffee table. Chloe still hasn't returned from wherever she went. She did sound upset when she arrived so she probably took a walk or something to cool her head. She was so tempted to give her a call or send a message but how was she supposed to explain to Chloe how she found out about her day.
Beca hasn't even sat down yet when their door opened.
The question was out of her mouth even before Chloe moved away from the door. "Why didn't you tell me you knew Aubrey?"
Chloe reached for Beca's hands but she saw her flinch away from her touch. That hurt for Chloe. She looked up at Beca who won't meet her gaze.
Chloe sighed. She knows, she thought to herself. Gail and Aubrey probably kept hounding her and told her everything they knew.
Chloe walks past Beca as she answered her. "I didn't tell you because I didn't see how it would matter."
"Is it true that you were in the Special Forces?"
"Excuse me?"
"You were a member of the Special Forces. Is it true?"
"I honestly don't know what you're talking about."
Beca studied her long and hard. "Is it that easy for you to lie to me to my face?"
"What are you going on about? Hey. It's me. Where is this all coming from?" Chloe stepped into Beca's space but Beca stepped away from her.
"Chloe you're no longer in the special forces. It doesn't matter. You can tell me."
Chloe never told anyone nor confirmed it to anyone that she was indeed a part of it, it simply doesn't exist. That's why she had that special bond with Kommissar because they were on the exact same boat. But the flipside of that was they couldn't be a part of each other's lives, it was just against protocol. And as much as she loved Beca, this was non-negotiable for her.
"I was in the military. You already knew that. What more do you want me to say?"
"What about the Special Forces?"
Chloe doesn't say anything but her face says it all. She was shaking her head. "I don't even know what you're going on about."
"I want you to be able to trust me enough. I know it's a secret organization. I honestly didn't even know it actually existed. But my mom and Posen insist that you are and I just want to know and hear it from you."
"Why? Why is it important that you know? What difference does it make?"
"A huge one."
"Does it change the fact that I was abandoned and betrayed or that I was almost tortured to death?"
Now in the middle of this conversation with Chloe, she already regrets she brings it up in the first place. Beca could barely handle the wounded look on Chloe's face.
"Chlo I."
"Save it. They obviously talked to you and I don't think there's anything more I can say here."
"No. Chloe I'm sorry. It's just that this whole thing has been a lot for me."
"Really? It's been a lot for you? How do you think I feel about all of this?"
"I didn't mean it like that."
"I'm sorry that you feel that way. I'm sorry that this has been all too much for you."
"Chlo I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking."
"I'm gonna go shower, okay? I've had a long day. I'm sure you've had a long one too."
Chloe was driving when she received a call from Aubrey.
"Hey Bree. I was just thinking about you."
"Chloe someone's been following me. I need your help. Meet me at that café we always go to."
"Okay. Calm down. Stay on the phone with me. I'm on my way to you."
Then line went dead.
"Bree? Are you there?"
Chloe started to speed to the café Aubrey mentioned. It was in a semi-isolated location. Aubrey and Chloe actually found it by accident one day while they were on one of their runs.
She parked her car a block away. She grabbed her gun in the glove compartment and tucked it in the back of her pants and made her way to the cafe.
It was eerily quiet. She looked around and approached the café slowly. There was no one else around. Alarm bells were ringing at this point and Chloe decided to take her gun out. The blinds were down so she couldn't see the inside of the café from the outside.
She considered her options. She could dial 911 and wait for back up but if someone had Aubrey and she was inside the café, she was wasting precious time standing outside. Chloe decided to call 911 and then go inside and hope that they arrive fast but she's gutted as she realises she left her phone in her car.
There was no time. She was going to have to do this on her own. She counted to three and kicked the door open. There was no one. Chloe listened for a second but heard nothing.
"Aubrey?" Chloe called out.
Then she heard a creaking sound of the floorboard behind her and she turned around quick. She was met with a crowbar that whacked the gun out of her hands. Then she ducked down to avoid it coming at her. She countered with a leg sweep and managed to grab the crowbar from him just in time to block an oncoming attack from a second masked man.
When she saw a third and a fourth, she stabbed the first guy to keep him from getting back up and fighting. She managed to grab a hold of another crowbar whilst looking around for her gun.
Because of the adrenaline rush, she was able to ignore the hits to her legs, back and body. Blood started to drip from her hands and she's not sure whose blood were on her hands.
When she saw a sixth man come in, she tossed the crowbar in her right hand up and caught it with a tight grip in the middle of it and sent it flying straight to one of the masked men's faces. That's when she felt a stabbing on her hip. She takes out the knife that was sticking out from her right side and stabbed another one of the men.
When a seventh guy came in, Chloe's finally spotted her gun but she was on the other side of the café. She tried her best to move around so as not to be surrounded and cornered by the guys.
She was finally able to maneuver her way to where her gun was and before she could reach for her gun, one of them was able to hit her square on the back. She was able to grab hold of her gun, as one of the men was able to grab hold of her neck with the crowbar.
He managed to lift her off the ground and continued to choke her with the crowbar. Chloe blocked a couple of hits with her legs and she was able to create some space. The small gap was all Chloe needed. As she saw the eighth guy come in, Chloe popped the head of the guy who was choking her. She landed on her feet and could feel warm blood on her face. She squinted her eyes and popped everyone else's heads with her gun.
She wasn't sure how many more of them were out there and she knew she only had about 10 shots left with her gun. When everyone was down, she aimed for the door and waited but no one else came in.
She looked around for other exits. She grabbed one of the crowbars and was about to break the glass of one of the windows when she heard maybe two or three cars stopped outside.
She didn't move from where she was and kept her gun aimed at the door. There was a pool of blood starting to form at her feet. She honestly wasn't sure how much fight was left in her. Initially the plan was to shoot each and every one that would walk in the door. But Chloe had to be mindful of the number of bullets she had left.
Chloe thought if she could somehow make her way back to her car when the door opened and she popped another head as a reflex.
"Goddammit. 9 bullets left."
She grabbed another one of the crowbars. Until she's sure how many more men are out there, she has to save her bullets as much as she can. It was the only way she could get out of this alive.
When three more men entered all bringing in more crowbars, an axe and a machete, Chloe drew out her gun and shot them one by one before they could take another step. There was no way she would survive that fight. She was too tired.
Before Chloe could react there was a huge explosion by the door. It threw Chloe against the wall and she could feel she was about to lose consciousness.
Chloe tried to fight it but the ringing in her head, the exhaustion and the physical pain was getting too much. "I'm sorry Aubrey."
Then she could hear footsteps coming towards her. She tried her best to reach for anything that she could use. There was no point she was too weak. Then as if the explosion wasn't enough, one of the men bent down and tased Chloe a couple times and then everything went black.
Beca knocked on Chloe's door a couple of times before slowly opening it. "Chlo?" Beca could still hear the shower running.
She opened the bathroom door slowly. "Can I come in?"
"That depends. Are you Beca my girlfriend or Beca the detective?"
Beca sighed. She deserved that. She starts to strip out of her clothes and joins Chloe.
She slides the shower door open and steps inside. Chloe still doesn't turn around to face her. Beca pumps some body wash in her hands and starts to massage Chloe's back.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring work home."
She leans in and closed her eyes and kisses Chloe's bare shoulders. She could feel the water hitting her face but she kept her head close to Chloe and slowly wrapped her arms around her stomach.
"I know you have a lot of questions Bec. Just ask me and I'll answer them if I can. But all I want from you is for you to ask me as your girlfriend and not like some witness or suspect or whatever person of interest in your investigation."
Beca could feel and hear the hurt in Chloe's voice when she spoke.
"Cause if you ask me as anything other than your girlfriend then I will tell you exactly what I told Aubrey when she came to see me earlier today." Chloe turned around to face Beca. "Unless you have a warrant or any official document that will force me to come with you or even talk to you then there is nothing for us to talk about."
Beca shakes her head and gulps. "I'm sorry."
"What are you saying sorry for?"
For breaking your trust. For invading your personal space. For eavesdropping on your private conversations. For being too caught up with work. "I'm just sorry."
"Then I'm sorry too."
"Why are you sorry?"
Cause if there's one thing I can't give you, it's the truth about this. "I just am."
Beca kissed her and was just glad that Chloe didn't turn away.
"So is Posen like an ex lover or something? What's going on there?"
Beca was glad to see a genuine smile on Chloe's face. "Actually. I don't know if she did have a thing for me. Obviously she didn't like me enough if she stabbed me in the back like that."
"Maybe that's just the Posen way of showing her love for you." Beca wasn't sure how Chloe was going to react or whether it was a terrible time to make jokes but she starts laughing.
"So how did you two meet?"
"Seriously babe, you want to talk here in the shower?"
"No you're right. What a wasted opportunity it is to just talk when I have you naked here in the shower with me." Beca start looking at Chloe's body up and down and licked her lips.
Chloe pushed the shower handle down and turned off the water. She was done waiting for Beca to make her move. She pinned Beca to the wall and her hand was already in between Beca's legs, with two fingers teasing to enter her middle.
Beca whimpered at Chloe's touch. She wasn't expecting Chloe to come at her the way she did. Chloe was aggressive and teasing at the same time. Beca would chase after Chloe's kisses every time she pulled back. Beca had to held on to the sides as Chloe started on a slow rhythm of her fingers going in and out of her, making sure her fingers curled slightly before pulling out.
"Fuck." Beca gasped.
Chloe gave Beca one more open mouth kiss before she leaned down to suck on her right nipple. She would gently bite then replace it with the flicking of her tongue. Beca's whole body would twitch at her every bite while her hand kept on the slow rhythm. She could feel Beca get impatient with how her hips buckled.
Beca tried to hold Chloe's hand that was inside her but Chloe grabbed her hand and place it back on the wall.
"Touch me again and I'll stop." She stops moving her hand that was in between Beca's legs. "Do you understand?"
Beca nods frantically. "No touching. Got it."
"Very good." Chloe says as she leans into kiss Beca on the lips while she moves her fingers in and out of Beca again with an increasing pace.
Chloe pulled back and watched Beca squirm at her touch. She held Beca's face with her other hand and put her thumb over her mouth. Beca then started sucking on her thumb.
Chloe wasn't usually this dominant when it came to sex but it was like she wanted to take back the control that Beca took away from her by placing all those listening devices around her apartment and her studio.
Beca tried her best to keep it down knowing someone could be listening in on them or that this whole thing is recorded but dominant Chloe is slowly becoming her new weakness.
"Turn around." Chloe instructed Beca. "And lean back into me."
Chloe backed them to a wall with Beca's back pressed on her front. She had one hand arm over her breasts and the other pumping Beca's middle.
Beca was too self-conscious of the fact that someone was listening in on them. But she knew she wasn't going to last long like this. Chloe could feel Beca fighting it but she didn't let up. She increased her pace and the sloppy slapping sound of when her hand meets Beca's centre was met with Beca's cries of pleasure.
When she felt Beca tense up and Beca's grip on her legs tightened, she knew Beca was about to reach her climax. She continued to whisper sweet nothings to her ear and squeezed and pinched her nipples and didn't let up on her pace.
Beca screamed for Chloe when she reached her peak and twitched as Chloe eased her through her orgasm. Beca gives into Chloe and fully leans back to her. She twists her head to find Chloe's mouth and kissed them. It was a needy kiss from Beca. She craved Chloe.
Chloe pulled out of Beca's middle completely and turned Beca around to face her. Beca rested her head on Chloe's chest panting.
"Are you okay?" Chloe whispered to her.
"Fuck."
"Was that okay? Was that too much?" Chloe was suddenly worried she pushed Beca too hard.
"No no. That wasn't too much. Just let me catch my breath. You've been holding back on me. I definitely wanna do that again." Beca hugged Chloe tighter and kissed her bare neck before nuzzling her face there. "I love you so much."
Chloe kissed her forehead and caressed her back as she felt Beca's hot breath on her skin still panting.
"I love you too."